Zuma condemns violence

2008-05-18 15:53

Johannesburg - ANC president Jacob Zuma on Sunday condemned xenophobic attacks on foreigners, as Johannesburg metro police warned people to avoid dangerous CBD areas after violence flared up over the weekend.

Five people were killed and 50 more were injured on Sunday when xenophobic attacks spread to Cleveland, Johannesburg police said.

After a visit to the central business district on Sunday, Gauteng DA leader Jack Bloom warned the situation there was "unsettled".

"There were clashes at the Central Methodist Church where many Zimbabweans have taken shelter."

Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said on SABC radio that motorists should avoid certain CBD areas.

In the vibrant cosmopolitan area of Hillbrow, there was a heavy police presence after residents pounced on foreigners selling goods on the streets, police spokesperson Govindsamy Mariemuthoo said.

Police spokesperson Captain Cheryl Engelbrecht said the Cleveland violence started about 01:00.

Foreigners, mainly Zimbabweans, were attacked at the Cleveland informal settlement.

"Two people were burnt and three people were beaten to death.

"Fifty others were taken to various hospitals for gunshot and stab wounds.

SA 'cannot be xenophobic'

Speaking in Pretoria on Sunday, Zuma said: "We cannot allow South Africa to be famous for xenophobia.

"We cannot be a xenophobic country," he said.

He could not understand how people could attack foreigners when ANC members had sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

Engelbrecht said about 300 people are seeking refuge at the Cleveland police station.

According to police, several shops were vandalised and goods were stolen.

"The situation is very tense at the moment and the police are monitoring the area," said Engelbrecht.

Cleveland is a suburb on the main railway route to the East Rand, and is situated near the crossing of the N3 highway to Durban and the busy M2 elevated freeway to the inner city.

People lined Jules Street on Sunday afternoon, ululating as vans carrying goods for foreign nationals passed through, a Sapa journalist reported from the scene. There had also been reports that cars had been torched.

Can get out of hand

The DA's Jack Bloom said that on Monday he would request the Gauteng Legislature Speaker to call a snap debate "on the spreading wave of xenophobic attacks in the province".

"This clearly has the potential to get out of hand as the violence in Alexandra has been followed by attacks on foreigners in Diepsloot, Ivory Park and various parts of the East Rand, including Thokoza, Tembisa and Primrose."

This was a law and order issue in the first instance, "but we also need to see a proper plan by the provincial government to rectify underlying grievances", said Bloom.

"The response of the authorities so far has been slow and inadequate. The murders, rapes, assaults and thefts need to be stopped with decisive force, backed up by the army if necessary."

Bloom said there were about 1 000 foreigners who had sought refuge at the Cleveland police station, with more coming in.

Food needed

"The Red Cross are doing their best, but there is a desperate need for food aid," Bloom said.

"Jules Street in Malvern is being patrolled by police vehicles to prevent the looting that broke out there after attacks on foreigners emanating from the Denver hostel.

"Last night police came under fire from hostel residents, including shots from AK47s.

"At least six murders are confirmed in the area, and many more injuries."

The situation in the CBD was quite unsettled, Bloom said.

"There were clashes at the Central Methodist Church where many Zimbabweans have taken shelter.

"I saw piles of bricks that had been collected for defence from attackers.

"I also witnessed nearby a stone throwing attack on a fleeing person."

The violent attacks on foreigners started in Alexandra and by Saturday spread from Alexandra to Diepsloot, Thokoza and Tembisa.

Around 300 foreigners had flocked to the Thokoza community hall on Saturday, seeking safety after attacks broke out in the East Rand township.

Arrests

Seven people were arrested for public violence on Saturday in Thokoza, according to police spokesperson Captain Mega Ndobe.

Ndobe said two shacks had been burnt down and a number of people had been injured. At least fifty foreigners had sought refuge at the Thokoza police station.

In Tembisa, one man was shot and killed and two others were injured, also in xenophobic attacks.

Spokesperson Captain Manyadza Ralidhivha said scores of Tembisa residents went on a rampage, destroying property that belonged to foreign nationals on Saturday.

Ralidhivha said at least 15 shacks had been burnt down in Kanana, Tembisa.

- SAPA